Discover the delights of Pene Pasta with Shrimp. This dish, a perfect blend of simple ingredients and exquisite flavors, is both easy to prepare and utterly delicious. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or a simple weekday meal, this recipe will impress with its combination of textures and tastes.
Why Choose Pene Pasta for Shrimp?
Pene pasta, with its distinctive ridged, tube-like shape, provides an ideal surface for sauces to cling to. Here’s why it pairs excellently with shrimp:
- Texture Contrast: The firmness of pene contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp.
- Sauce Retention: Pene’s ridges hold onto the sauce, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- Visual Appeal: The uniform size and shape make for an aesthetically pleasing dish.
👌 Note: Don’t overcook the pene pasta to maintain the al dente texture which complements the shrimp perfectly.
Essential Ingredients
To prepare a sumptuous Pene Pasta with Shrimp, gather the following ingredients:
- Penne Pasta: 300 grams
- Shrimp: 400 grams, peeled and deveined
- Garlic: 4 cloves, finely minced
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
- White Wine: ½ cup (optional)
- Heavy Cream: 200 ml
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, freshly grated
- Lemon Juice: From 1 lemon
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch (optional)
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Follow this simple guide to create your Pene Pasta with Shrimp:
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water, pat dry, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pene pasta and cook until al dente, typically about 11 minutes. Drain, reserving about a cup of the pasta water.
- Sauté Shrimp:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic, sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the shrimp, cooking until pink and just firm, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream, stirring to mix with the leftover garlic and oil.
- Let it simmer gently for a few minutes, then add lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if desired), and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the shrimp to the skillet with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pene pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Finish and Serve:
- Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
- Plate the dish, garnish with chopped parsley, and optionally more Parmesan.
🍤 Note: Using fresh, high-quality shrimp is key for the best results. Thawed, previously frozen shrimp can also work well if properly handled.
Tips for a Perfect Dish
- Al Dente: Cook pene pasta to the al dente stage to maintain its bite and texture.
- Shrimp Cooking: Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them succulent. They will continue to cook a bit off the heat.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust sauce thickness with pasta water for a smoother, clingy texture.
In crafting this delectable Pene Pasta with Shrimp, we’ve explored not only a culinary technique but also how the right combination of ingredients can elevate a simple dish. This meal captures the essence of Italian cooking with its focus on quality ingredients and straightforward methods, ensuring a delightful experience for both the palate and the eyes. The interplay of flavors between the creamy sauce, the tangy lemon, and the rich Parmesan, complemented by the tender shrimp, makes for a truly satisfying meal. Remember, the key to success here lies in the balance of textures and flavors, all harmonizing to create an elegant yet accessible dish.
Can I use other pasta shapes for this dish?
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Yes, while pene pasta is ideal for its shape, you can also use spaghetti, linguine, or even rotini for a different texture experience.
What can I substitute for heavy cream if I’m looking for a lighter option?
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For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and a tablespoon of flour to thicken.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming overcooked?
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Cook the shrimp on medium to high heat for just 1-2 minutes per side. They are done when they turn pink and have a slight curl. Remember, they will continue to cook a bit after being removed from the heat.
